Customs agency initiates reform through training - to change unfavourable image by Desiree Jodah Stabroek News August 6, 2000 The controversial Customs and Trade Administration (C&TA) could change and will change, said Commissioner Lambert Marks at the opening last Saturday of a two-day seminar and workshop for Customs officers held at the Georgetown Club. Marks said the seminar/workshop marked the start of the process to change the entity which had drawn its fair share of unfavourable comments. The problem as he saw it was four-fold, namely, weak leadership and ineffective management; ineffective systems and procedures, coupled with old laws which have not been modified in over 50 years; negative attitudes to work and the public, linked to poor values and discipline which created a culture that has developed over the last two decades; and the need for a living wage and better conditions. He said the workshop was intended to sensitise C&TA officers about their responsibilities as revenue officers, emphasising professionalism and integrity as well as the importance of their function to the nation. Management Consultant, Earl John, dealt with the communication process and the code of conduct, whilst a presentation on the government accounting system was done by Deputy Auditor General, Balraj Balram. Andrea Watson-James covered management issues and individual and group challenges in a changing environment. According to Marks, the training exercise would not be a "one-shot deal," but an ongoing one that would eventually create a working atmosphere which would impose conformity. He said other initiatives taken so far to support the continued process of training included the presentation by the Commissioner General to the Crown Agents of terms of reference for the training of members of the Revenue Authority; requests to consultants to prepare training modules for entry level officers and middle managers and in-house training for specific skills. He noted that other places had changed, so the C&TA could too if they worked together as a management team. Commissioner General of the GRA, Edgar Heyligar delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony pointed out that certain information was inaccurate regarding the status of senior customs officers in a booklet which was in circulation. The booklet contained information about the GRA and the names and status of senior employees, including directors and assistant directors. The booklet listed the directors and assistant directors as being in acting positions. However, said Heyligar, these officers had all been confirmed in their positions. Commenting that "something weird" seemed to be going on pertaining to the information, Heyligar urged Marks to "look into it." The Commissioner General observed that the theme for the seminar/workshop, "Towards efficiency and effectiveness in Customs and Trade Administration," was appropriate. He said the GRA had been created to provide a better service to the public, increase efficiency and effectiveness in tax and customs administration and simplify the administrative burden on the business sector. This, according to Heyligar, would require a modern organisation. He said since the GRA merged two entities, the tax administration system had had to be simplified to eliminate overlap and duplication of service. Clear definition of mandates, roles, responsibilities and segregation of duties within the GRA must be ensured, said Heyligar. He asserted that certain core values which should include integrity, professionalism, respect and cooperation must be established. Remuneration should be at such levels that the GRA would be able to attract and retain qualified and competent staff. Heyligar stressed the importance of the tax-payer and urged the customs officers to treat them with the respect they deserved even though some could be difficult. He said the officers must strive to maintain a vigorous, but reasonable enforcement programme. The GRA head challenged customs officers always to endeavour to make daily advancement in their work performance. Among those attending the opening ceremony were Minister within the Office of the President, Sasenarine Kowlessar, Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestocks, Satyadeow Sawh, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, Bernard Trueman, Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Claude Chang, Deputy Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Basil Joseph and consultant to CARICOM, Lt Colonel Fairbairn Liverpool. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today